McDonald's accused of AI-fueled price fixing in federal court — says lawsuit is 'filled with inaccuracies'

KHemaz/GVN via Getty Images Fast food giant McDonald's [NYSE: MCD], which has struggled with its integration of artificial intelligence in the past, is now facing a federal lawsuit that alleges the company has violated U.S. antitrust laws with its AI tool, which recommends prices to franchisees across the country. The tool, the lawsuit alleges, shares nonpublic data that typically wouldn't be shared with franchisees in the same market, including store-level sales. According to Reuters, the lawsuit accuses McDonald's of using the nonpublic data to conspire with independent franchises and fix prices. It also says the tool is responsible for higher prices at McDonald's locations throughout the country.